Pre-Launch (Weeks 1–7)

Week 1: Foundation & Setup (Owner: CYT Chair + GFI IT)

• [ ] Define newsletter purpose (H4J updates, directory highlights, etc.).
• [ ] Finalize audience segments (Regular, Premium, Enterprise).
• [ ] Set up ESP (Mailchimp/Constant Contact) with segmentation and automation.
• [ ] Design branding assets (CYT logo, GFI color palette).
• [ ] Draft subscription pricing page content.

Week 2: Content Strategy & Template Finalization (Owner: Content Lead)

• [ ] Finalize fixed content sections (Opening Note, H4J Corner, etc.).
• [ ] Create and test mobile-responsive templates.
• [ ] Outline content for first 4 issues.

Week 3: Opt-In Mechanisms & Pre-Launch List Building (Owner: Marketing Lead)

• [ ] Add sign-up forms to CYT charter page, GFI website, and social media.
• [ ] Offer free incentive (“7 Tips for H4J Volunteer Leaders”) for sign-ups.
• [ ] Send pre-launch announcement to existing GFI/ministry lists.

Week 4: Partnership Outreach (Owner: Partnerships Lead)

• [ ] Pitch newsletter to CLUB EZEKIEL, TEAM SARAH, CAYMA, and GFI educational institutions.
• [ ] Secure 2–3 partner commitments for cross-promotion.

Week 5: Beta Testing (Owner: Content Lead + Volunteers)

• [ ] Recruit 50–100 key stakeholders for beta testing.
• [ ] Send preview Issue 0 and collect feedback via survey.
• [ ] Revise template/content based on feedback.

Week 6: Subscription Page Launch (Owner: CYT Treasurer + IT)

• [ ] Publish subscription page with pricing tiers and benefits.
• [ ] Integrate secure payment gateway (Stripe/PayPal).

Week 7: Final Pre-Launch Promotion (Owner: Marketing + Partners)

• [ ] Launch 7-day social media countdown.
• [ ] Send reminder email to pre-launch sign-ups with subscription details.
• [ ] Coordinate launch-day promotions with partners.

Launch Day (Week 8, Thursday) (Owner: Full CYT Team)

• [ ] Send Issue 1 to pre-launch sign-ups/new subscribers with compelling subject line.
• [ ] Include clear CTAs (“Subscribe Now” and “Explore GFI-CEECD Directory”).
• [ ] Post launch announcement on social media (#CYTNewsViews).
• [ ] Notify partners to share the launch with their networks.
• [ ] Monitor ESP analytics (open rate, CTR, sign-ups) in real time.

Post-Launch (Weeks 9–12)

Week 9: Engagement & Feedback (Owner: Community Lead)

• [ ] Send thank-you email to new subscribers.
• [ ] Add 1-question poll to Issue 2.
• [ ] Respond to all subscriber replies/feedback.

Week 10: Optimization (Owner: Content + Marketing)

• [ ] Analyze metrics from first 2 issues (open rate, CTR, conversions).
• [ ] Test 2 subject lines for Issue 3.
• [ ] Adjust content sections based on engagement data.

Week 11: Retention & Upselling (Owner: Treasurer + Community)

• [ ] Launch 3-email nurture sequence for new subscribers.
• [ ] Offer 10% discount on Premium subscriptions for first-time buyers.
• [ ] Feature an Enterprise subscriber in Issue 4.

Week 12: Review & Planning (Owner: CYT Chair + Leadership)

• [ ] Compile 4-week post-launch report (metrics, feedback, growth).
• [ ] Plan content for next 8 weeks.
• [ ] Schedule partner check-in to discuss cross-promotion results.

Key Success Metrics

• Pre-launch sign-ups: 200+ by launch day.
• Launch-day conversions: 50+ Regular, 10+ Premium, 2+ Enterprise.
• Open rate: 20–30% (nonprofit target).
• Click-through rate (CTR): 2–5% (subscription/directory links).
• Unsubscribe rate: <1%.